Part 81: The Trial of Blackfire

Sometimes questions are more powerful than answers. How is this happening? What are they? Why them and not others? Why now? What does it all mean?

I've heard that justice is blind so it needs good people to see for it. However, the amount of good people in justice is severely lacking so bad people take advantage of the law to further their own goals. Innocent people get hurt all the time and not even the law can protect them. They deserve justice and it takes people like me to give them that.

Justice…what does it really mean? I'm fighting for it and even I am still trying to figure that out.

-Timothy Drake.

Pluto's eyes looked towards Blackfire before darting back to the royal guards. Either they were high or really believed that Blackfire was capable of murder. Then again, from what he'd been told by her about what most of her people thought of her, it did look like they saw Blackfire as nothing more than a murderous monster.

One of the guards thrust forward with his glaive but Pluto grabbed the blade of the pole arm with his bare hand. His eyes glowed a metallic blue color before he snapped the blade in half as he growled, "Don't you dare touch her!"

The other guards took this as an act of hostility and instantly rushed to take Pluto down. The Knight of Immortality prepared to fight when there was a shout.

"CEASE THIS AT ONCE!"

The guards stopped in their tracks and turned towards the door to see Starfire with her hands on her hips and eyes glowing bright emerald green. Robin was at her side too, wearing a deep frown. The guards mumbled amongst themselves before leaving.

Starfire approached her sister, placing her hands on her shoulders. "Sister, are you unharmed?"

Blackfire looked away, ashamed that she had to be protected like this. "I'm fine, Kori. You didn't have to stop them, you know?"

"But I had to," Starfire rebutted. Blackfire looked to her face.

"Is it true? Is Galfore really…?" Blackfire couldn't say it but she had to, "Is he really dead?"

Starfire nodded her head, wearing an expression of grief and sorrow. Blackfire looked down to the ground, clenching her fists.

"And they believed I did it," Blackfire concluded from the way the guards were about to take her in by force.

"Yes, they do," Starfire stated.

"Why?" Blackfire asked.

Starfire sighed and spoke, "Sister, your best option is to come peacefully with me. A trial will be held before Galfore is given his final farewell."

"You don't really think she did it, do you?" Pluto asked, aghast by this. "I mean, I knew she used to be bad but I don't think she's capable of murder."

"Be that as it may, my sister is the prime suspect," Starfire frowned. "Even I, the crowned princess, cannot stand above the law."

"So, what's going to happen? How does this trial thing work?" Pluto asked.

"There will be a magistrate to judge the trial, guards acting a security, and the Tamaranean council will be present as well to act as jury," Starfire explained.

"Is this going to be public?" Pluto asked. He didn't want Blackfire to be given any further grief because of this.

"Only family and witnesses will be allowed to attend," Starfire answered. "We do not make such things public knowledge unless it is required."

"OK," Pluto nodded. "Blackfire, you want to go through with this?" he asked his girlfriend.

"Of course," Blackfire answered quickly. "I've been framed and I know it."

Starfire nodded, "Very well, but you need to be taken to a holding cell until the trial begins."

"Hey, it works for me," Blackfire shrugged. "It's not like I've never been locked up before."

The guards returned to take Blackfire away. She waved at Pluto who waved back sadly. He just had to help her. He had to.

Blackfire was roughly thrown into a cell with cuffs around her wrists that negated her powers. She scowled at the guards who glared at her. She was an abomination to them and banished. She wasn't even supposed to set foot on this planet ever again. They suspected she'd swayed Starfire with one of her tricks and weren't going to treat her kindly. Of course, with their lives depending on it, they couldn't leave marks on Blackfire knowing well that Starfire would defend her. So, they locked up the cell and stood vigilant in front of it, backs turned towards Blackfire.

Blackfire knew she could easily escape. She had her Fire Bracelet still on her wrist and just by sending a pulse she could summon her Inzecter and Clock Up her way to freedom. However, that could hurt her already fragile standing. She was confident that the others could help prove her innocence.

She had hope in them, especially her beloved. 'Yoshi…I hope you got a plan to get me out of this jam…'

"Oh, I hope we can prove my sister's innocence soon," Starfire said worriedly, biting her lower lip.

"Unfortunately, they won't let us go search for clues in Galfore's bed chamber," Robin rubbed his chin.

"Starfire, what's the worst that Blackfire will get if she's judged as guilty?" Pluto asked, but he was not going to like the answer.

"She will be sentenced to death," Starfire answered, heart filled with fear. "That is the punishment given to those who murder the ruler. That, or eternal banishment but it is often always death."

"That is way bad," Pluto responded. He couldn't let Blackfire die, not like this.

"So, we better work fast and find clues to help clear her of the charges," Robin spoke up. "But how?"

Pluto thought this over and then got an idea. "Starfire, I think I know a way to clear Blackfire's name."

Starfire's eyes shone happily, "Really?"

"Are you sure?" Robin asked skeptically. Some of Pluto's ideas in the past had a habit of often backfiring on him, taking them along the ride. One instance was the shrink ray incident.

Pluto nodded, "I do, but I kinda need yours and Robin's help."

"OK, we're listening," Robin paid attention.

"What can I do?" Starfire asked.

"Starfire, I need you to stall the trial. There's no doubt they will put you on the witness stand so when they ask you about Blackfire, just keep on talking," Pluto instructed.

"You mean babble?" Starfire inquired.

"Babble, rant, give a long-winded speech," Pluto listed, "Whatever, just stall."

"I understand."

"Robin, you are gonna help me look for clues," Pluto said. He explained his plan further. "I mean, you've been trained as a detective so you're the only one I can trust to help me right now."

"You got it, Pluto," Robin nodded in agreement. He was a defender of justice and this was one of those times to be what he claimed to be.

A few minutes later, Ryand'r approached the trio. Pluto narrowed his eyes at Starfire and Blackfire's younger brother. Something about him just didn't settle right with the Dog Knight. His nose kept twitching whenever Ryand'r was in the room. Ryand'r scent just didn't sit too well with him for some odd reason.

"Sister," Ryand'r called, "You must've heard the dreadful news."

"I have, dear brother," Starfire said solemnly. "Galfore is dead." Her k'norfka was gone.

"He was a fine ruler and warrior last I heard and he took great care of us," Ryand'r spoke. "Our treacherous sister has gone too far!" His eyes blazed.

"Brother!" Starfire gasped. "You do not believe that Blackfire is responsible, do you?"

"Sister, she has brought so much grief to you and our world. There is a darkness in her eyes that you surely remember. I do not doubt that she is guilty!"

Starfire was horrified. "How can you say such things?"

"Because I saw her exit Galfore's chamber before he was found dead," Ryand'r spoke up.

Pluto's eyes widened at this and an idea formed. 'So, he is the witness. Good to know…' He approached the younger Tamaranean boy and said, "OK, kid, even if you're a prince and Blackfire's brother, I don't appreciate anyone talking smack about my girl."

Ryand'r frowned. "Excuse me, but who are you to speak to me in such a way?"

"Oh, you know me, Princey. You just chose to forget, that's all," Pluto scowled. He'd had experience with royalty in the past. A past assignment haunted him where he had to guard a princess from kidnappers.

Ryand'r eyes narrowed. "So, the rumors of my darker sister procuring a human for a lover are true." He looked Pluto up and down, unimpressed. "How pathetic, no wonder she chose you. You must be her lapdog."

Pluto was steamed at the comment. OK, it was true that he was her lapdog to some degree, but he wasn't going to give Ryand'r the satisfaction of having the last word. "Listen here you little-!" Robin grabbed his arm and began dragging him away. "Hey, Robin! Wait! Stop tugging!" He shouted at Ryand'r while shaking his free fist, "This isn't over!"

Ryand'r sighed and said to Starfire, "Dearest sister, why do you keep such inferior beings as friends?"

Starfire frowned at Ryand'r, a little surprised by his mannerism. This was so unlike the brother she knew. She spoke in their defense, "Ryand'r, you are my brother and I love you, but do not ever insult my friends. You do not know them as I do."

Ryand'r scoffed, "They are nothing like us, sister."

"That is true, but that is what makes them special. Also, I do not think it is wise for you to take that tone with me," Starfire warned. Ryand'r replied with a silent glare. "I shall see you at the court." She turned away from her brother.

"As will I," Ryand'r said as he watched Starfire's retreating form.

Blackfire held her head down as she was being taken to the Grand High Court of Tamaran. It was a large purple building, resembling a temple. A statue erected in honor of X'Hal stood at the forefront of the building. Crowds of Tamaraneans of both genders and of all ages stood at the side of this dark parade. They spat names and insults at Blackfire. If she wasn't so desperate to clear her name, she would've lashed out at them for speaking such words at her. The Fire Inzecter would give her the power needed to bash some heads but she had to be patient. She needed to trust her friends and sister.

She needed to trust her friends to clear her name. Her life was in their hands now.

Robin and Pluto peered from their hiding spot, which was behind a pillar, to see the two guards standing watch outside of Galfore's bed chamber. "OK, Robin. You know the plan?"

"Why do I have to be the distraction?" Robin grumbled. He was the leader of the Titans. He wasn't meant to act as distraction. He was usual the one in charge and in the lead. He wasn't the the distraction. Not anymore, at least. The last time he remembered acting as distraction for anything was when he used to be Batman's sidekick.

"Because I'm the only one with nanobots floating in his bloodstream," retorted Pluto logically. "Now, go and distract them. I need a swarm for this and I doubt I can send them out without getting noticed."

"Fine," Robin agreed reluctantly. "But you so owe me." Robin walked towards the guards as Pluto prepared his little swarm. "Hi, guys," Robin waved, putting on a fake smile. The two guards crossed their glaives together in front of the door.

"Halt!" the first guard began.

"None shall enter!" the second guard finished.

Pluto had his nanobots clumped together in a small ball the size of a golf ball and then rolled it towards the door. The small golf ball of nanobots had been programmed to maneuver towards the door before separating and crawling under the door. Pluto just hoped Robin could distract the guards long enough so they wouldn't notice.

Pluto watched as his nanobot's ball stopped at the door, slipping behind the guards, before it dispersed into the swarm of nanobots which then crawled under the door. Robin looked out of the corner of his eye to see Pluto giving him the signal. Robin waved, "Well, see ya, fellas," before joining with Pluto.

"Thanks, Rob," Pluto complimented as he activated his headset's HUD.

"You owe me big time," Robin reminded.

"I know, now let's hope my nanobots can find some clues." Pluto could see what his nanites were seeing. He could see the dried blood on the floor where Galfore's body had laid. The body was currently being prepared for the 'final farewell' as Starfire had called it.

"Find anything?" Robin asked.

"Not yet," Pluto spoke up. "Damn, why don't these Tamaraneans have surveillance cams to hack into?" he grumbled. After a few minutes he cursed in frustration, "Crud, nothing in there to prove Blackfire's innocence!" He removed his headset.

"So, now what?" Robin asked.

Pluto looked towards the guards. "Time to do it the old fashion way." He sent out a bolt of lightning that struck the two guards. It knocked them both out simultaneously. He blew at his finger as if it was a gun barrel. "Oh, yeah. Come on, Robin."

The two walked to the door, stepping over the two unconscious guards, before opening the door. Inside, it was like how his nanobots had seen. It didn't look like there were any signs of a struggle. Galfore's scent and the smell of his blood saturated the place but then Pluto's nose picked up a eerily familiar scent.

Robin had been looking for clues when he caught Pluto's expression. "What?"

"Watson, I think I may have just solved the mystery," spoke Pluto in a fake British accent. He had his nanobots create a pipe and hat similar to the ones worn by a famous fictional detective. "We must make haste go to the court to clear fair Lady Blackfire's name at once!"

Robin looked at his friend quizzically, "Why are you talking like that?"

Pluto made the hat and pipe vanish stating, "Sorry about that. It's because Shadow made me read a lot of Sherlock Holmes. Plus I've always wanted to do that, Timmy."

Robin sighed, rolling his eyes, "Just tell me what you found out."

Blackfire stood in the centre of the court, ankles shackled to the stand. A pair of guards flanked her. The council of Tamaran's wisest looked towards her with contempt and scorn. The magistrate that sat at his bench was heavily built and had a long beard. Unlike Galfore, however, he was much older looking. Guards were also stationed next to the magistrate and the beside the council/jury.

"Princess Komand'r," the magistrate spoke, "You are accused of assassinating Emperor Galfore. How do you plead?"

"Not guilty," Blackfire spoke.

The council mumbled amongst themselves. To them Blackfire appeared unremorseful for her crimes. Starfire and Ryand'r stood to the side, the latter wearing a neutral expression while the former wore one of worry.

"Well, I shall summon two witnesses: one to speak for your defense and another to speak for your prosecution. For your defense, I call Princess Koriand'r to the stand."

Starfire sighed and looked towards her sister who refused to return her gaze. With shoulder back and head held high, Starfire floated towards the witness stand. If she was following the plan correctly, her job was to stall.

"Princess Koriand'r," the magistrate began. "Is it true that Princess Komand'r once had you framed for the theft of a Centauri Moon Diamond?"

Starfire told the truth, "Yes, she did." That answer made Blackfire flinch.

"And did she not try to marry you off for her own gain?" the magistrate asked further.

"She did," Starfire nodded as well and Blackfire was filled with guilt. Maybe this was karma teaching the dark haired Tamaranean a lesson.

"So, would you please tell the court why you believe in Blackfire's innocence?"

Starfire began from the beginning, starting with when the Gamemasters had captured them. With her strong memory and many words, she was going to stall for all it was worth.

Both Pluto and Robin flew towards the court. Actually, Robin was riding on Pluto's back as the Dog Knight flew them towards the court. Either way, they were headed there.

"Are you sure about this?" Robin asked Pluto. "I mean if you're wrong…"

"Not about this I'm not," Pluto retorted. "I knew there was something off about him."

"But how are you gonna prove it?"

"Oh, just trust me, Robin. Just trust me."

Starfire went on with her tale and thus finished with, "And that is why I believe that my sister has changed. She is no longer the evil person you believe her to be."

The council had grown bored with her tale and barely listened to her words. The magistrate spoke, "Well, that is a nice story, but I do believe that it is the turn of the prosecution."

"Yes, Your Honor," Starfire nodded before floating off the stand. Ryand'r floated past her, grinning maliciously, before touching down on the stand.

"Prince Ryand'r, you have sworn to tell the truth, correct?" the magistrate asked.

"Yes," Ryand'r answered, "And nothing more or less." Blackfire could barely hold back a scowl.

"So, can you tell the court of what you witnessed?"

Ryand'r pointed towards Blackfire, "Late last night I saw her exiting Galfore's chamber with her hands covered in blood!"

"Bastard!" Blackfire roared but was restrained by guards. The council was in an uproar.

"I demand order in this court! ORDER!" the magistrate bellowed. "So, are you sure you saw this?"

"Yes, and she is without a doubt, guilty."

"Well, I would need to ask if the council shall agree," the magistrate said before turning his attention towards the jury of council members. "So, what say you?"

The lead council member stood up after discussing with the others, "We find Princess Komand'r to be-"

The double doors swung open as Pluto and Robin stormed in. The Dog Knight shouted out, "I OBJECT!"

The council began to shout loudly at the rude interruption, leading towards the magistrate to shout at them to be silent, which they did after a few moments. The magistrate glared at Pluto who waltzed into the courtroom with Robin in tow. Starfire's eyes shone happily as Ryand'r scowled.

"What is the meaning of this?" the magistrate questioned as Pluto approached the bench.

"Your honor and honorable council members, I am but an Earthling so I am an alien to your world. You may believe I am ignorant of your customs and traditions and in some ways I am. However, what I do know is how to tell right from wrong," Pluto spoke up.

"So, what is it you object?" the magistrate asked.

"That Blackfire is guilty," Pluto said. Blackfire grew a smile. She knew her man had a plan.

"This human is out of his place!" Ryand'r objected angrily. Pluto turned to look at the prince.

"Am I?" Pluto asked. "You say that late last night you saw Blackfire exit Galfore's bed chamber, right?"

"Yes, I did," Ryand'r spoke confidently.

"Well, that can't be true," Pluto pointed out, smirking, "Because Blackfire was with me all night long." He added, "There is no way she could've been seen exiting Galfore's bed chamber when she was with me giving me the ride of my life!"

Blackfire groaned and blushed, mortified. Robin slapped himself in the forehead. He knew Pluto would brag but at a time like this? It wasn't exactly appropriate. He was a goof sometimes, but even he knew when to be serious. Starfire's cheeks took on a pink tint at the brazen admission.

"So, someone here is lying," Pluto concluded.

The council mumbled again together but Ryand'r shouted out to them, "How can you believe what this human says!? He's an outsider!"

Murmurs went through the room. It was unlike Ryand'r to be so vocal about anything. Since he had returned to Tamaran, he was acting much like the prince everyone expected him to be. Many people believed Galfore's death weighed heavily on him.

"An outsider, true, but I'm not the only one, and I also know the identity of the killer!" Pluto announced, raising his hand.

"So, who is the assassin?" the magistrate asked, interested to hear what this human had to say.

"The killer is…" He dropped his hand and pointed straight at… "Prince Ryand'r."

The courtroom was in an uproar as Starfire gasped in shock.

"HOW DARE YOU!?" Ryand'r exploded, "How dare you accuse me of such a crime!?"

"That is a heavy accusation," the magistrate spoke. "Can you offer proof?"

"Well, let me explain." Pluto began. "First let's see what Blackfire stands to gain from this. Nothing. With her reputation here, doing so would only hurt her standing. She is already banished so this would lose her the right to be welcomed back."

"It is an act of revenge," Ryand'r stated.

"True, but that's why I decided to do some snooping around," Pluto said. "You see, Robin and I entered Galfore's bed chamber and came across a few clues."

Ryand'r eyes widened.

"However, I was unable to bring the evidence here," said Pluto dejectedly. Ryand'r smiled.

Ryand'r spoke menacingly, "You dare come in here and accuse me of assassinating Galfore. Guards! Seize him!"

The guards went to apprehend Pluto but the magistrate stopped them. "Now, hold on and be patient!"

"Thank you, your honor," Pluto said. "Now, I may not have evidence on me to prove that Ryand'r is guilty nor do I have any to prove Blackfire is innocent." He finished, "However…I can prove to you that somebody here is lying." The nanobots swarmed out of his skin and around his arm before forming into an elaborate gun-like device. "This is an EMP generator. It can shut down machines or mess up their systems if used in large doses. But, a small dose of the Electromagnetic Pulse can temporarily shut down things like, I don't know…" His eyes fell on Ryand'r, "Pretender tech!" He fired a beam straight at Ryand'r, striking him in the chest. The guards immediately went and grabbed Pluto as Starfire gasped at the attack.

"You have crossed the line!" the magistrate roared as the council members all roared out their objections and outrage of Pluto's action.

Pluto wore a smile and said, "Watch."

Ryand'r stood up, his body convulsing as he mutated and changed shape. After a few seconds of electrical arcs sparking and the body morphing, standing in the Tamaranean prince's place was something else entirely.

It was a humanoid figure that was metallic silver in color with no facial features. What made up its face was a Deathtron emblem. This was a Deathtron Pretender.

The council and magistrate became silent as the Deathtron that had disguised himself as Prince Ryand'r was revealed. The Deathtron looked at Pluto with anger, although you couldn't really see it since he didn't have a real face. In an instant, the guards who had seized Pluto acted quickly and immediately rushed and pointed their glaives at the Deathtron's neck. The Deaththron Pretender glowered, "How did you know?" His disguise and act had been perfectly flawless.

"It was elementary, really," stated Pluto, once again quoting Sherlock Holmes. "You see you were making a few glaring mistakes that made you highly suspicious. I mean you set yourself up as the only person to have witnessed Blackfire leaving Galfore's chamber even when it wasn't true. You were just banking on your disguise as the prince that you didn't expect anyone to suspect you. It was a perfect disguise, mind you, and well, as cliché as my answer is…" Pluto said as he tapped his nose. "The nose knows. You just smelled really rotten since I first saw you."

"So you better give up now," Robin spoke up.

"Why did you pose as my brother and frame my sister?" Starfire asked.

The Deathtron Pretender chuckled, "It was a simple plan, really. Kill the emperor, frame the 'evil princess' and take over since the crowned princess would be in too much grief to take up the responsibility. Then, the Deathtrons would be free to siphon this planet for its energy and take its people as slaves." He glowered, "Of course, I would've gotten away with it too if it wasn't for you meddling humans."

"Thank you, thank you, I take all the credit," Pluto waved.

"Then where is my brother?" Starfire questioned. "Tell me!"

The Deathtron Pretender shrugged, "Who knows? He maybe dead for all I care, which I don't." Starfire began to cry.

"Well, you're going down," Robin said sternly.

"And way down to Chinatown!" Pluto added.

"This isn't over!" the Deathtron Pretender roared. He morphed back to Ryand'r, "I was not only able to take on Prince Ryand'r form, but his powers as well! If I'm going down, you all are coming with me!" He raised both his arms to the sides and sent the guards flying with blasts of green energy bolts. He floated upwards, an aura of green surrounding him before he blasted at everything and everyone. The other guards immediately escorted the magistrate and council out of the court to safety, leaving only the Titans.

Starfire growled in anger, eyes glowing with emerald flames. Pulling out her Pactio card, she shouted, "Adeat!" Her Starblade was formed in her hand from the card.

"Henshin!" Robin commanded, holding his communicator up to his face.

"Standby!" it responded before he locked it into his belt buckle. "Activation!" His own Rider armor activated.

Starfire let out a yell and flew upwards to battle with this Deathtron who'd give her grief by murdering Galfore and posing as her brother to frame her sister. She swung her blade at the imposter in a horizontal arc to take off his head. He ducked down and slammed his fist into her gut, making her double over in pain before he smashed his heel into her chin, throwing her backwards. Robin leapt up and performed a flying kick but his ankle was caught and he was spun around before being thrown into a wall. The Pretender wearing Ryand'r face looked towards Blackfire. "Now, you die!!" He shot a starbolt at her.

Pluto flew towards Blackfire and created a shield to block the blast. He then fired a lightning bolt at the Pretender. The Pretender dodged but Starfire tackled him to the ground. The sword wielding princess and imposter rolled along the ground, trading blows.

Pluto undid Blackfire's cuffs. She massaged her wrists and smiled at her boyfriend. "You were awesome," she complimented.

"Thanks," he grinned but then received a slap to the face. "Ow! What was that for?"

"Only I get to brag about what we do in bed, alright?" Blackfire reminded, frowning deeply.

"Yes dear, and sorry but I was in the moment," Pluto spoke defensively.

Blackfire pulled him over towards her and gave him a deep kiss. The romantic moment was interrupted by fighting as they watched to see Robin and Starfire battling the Ryand'r imposter. "Come on, puppy! Let's go! It's payback time!" She summoned her Inzecter and it attached to her bracelet. "Henshin!"

"HENSHIN!"

Pluto smiled and summoned his own belt before sliding in his Zodiac Deck, "Henshin! Empowerment of the Zodiac Dog!" In a flash of light, glass shards bonded to his body before forming his armor. The two Riders shared looks or determination before flying to engage the Deathtron Pretender in battle.

The Deathtron Pretender shot Starfire with his eyebeams, throwing her off. He picked himself up but was then slammed in the stomach by an armored Robin. He grabbed the fist in his stomach and then spun around to throw Robin over his shoulder.

He spun around to see Pluto and Blackfire coming at him. He grinned, expecting this to be an easy move to counter.

"CLOCK UP!"

Suddenly, Pluto disappeared. The Deathtron Pretender panicked and then…

"CLOCK OVER!"

STAB!

The Pretender felt something pierce through his body. Looking down, he saw a blade protrude out of his chest. He turned his head to see Pluto standing behind him. Pluto twisted the blade and said, "You really shouldn't have fucked with me and my girl. Taste my voltage, bitch!" He sent his electricity surging through the Pretender's body, via his sword. With a smooth maneuver, he withdrew his sword from his convulsing enemy, who sparked with electricity. He flickered between his true and Ryand'r forms, screaming.

"CAST OFF! CHANGE FIREFLY!"

Blackfire discarded her heavy Strong Mode armor and flew at the convulsing Pretender, now stuck in his true form since Pluto had shorted out his disguise. Robin was running along next to her. She reached to her Inzecter and pressed the thorax button, charging up her attack. Robin reached down to his belt buckle and flipped open the communicator. He pressed a button and heard it announce, "Excel Charge." A stream of light flowed from his belt and into his right foot, charging up his attack.

"METEOR FIST!" Blackfire's Inzecter announced as she threw her fist forward. Robin leapt up and then swung his right leg forward. The powerful punch and kick combo smashed into the Pretender, sending him flying.

The Pretender continued to on his unscheduled flight, flailing his arms and legs about. He saw a green flash and looked up to see Starfire coming down, holding her Starblade over her head. Her eyes glowed with righteous fury as she screamed out, "YOU HAVE DISGRACED MY FAMILY! NOW PERISH!" She brought down the blade and sliced the Pretender straight down the middle in half before she adjusted her grip and then finished it off with a horizontal slash, segmenting the imposter further into 4 pieces. Since he was just a machine, albeit one that could mimic emotions, he was still just that.

The Pretender exploded in a fiery blaze, leaving nothing in sight.

Starfire stabbed her Starblade into the ground, tears streaming down her face. Her tears were shed for Galfore as well as her brother who she thought she'd found at last.

Several hours later, the magistrate and council reached a decision. With all the evidence presented by the defense as well as the words spoken on her behalf and not to mention saving Tamaran from being enslaved by the Deathtrons, Blackfire was not only welcomed back to Tamaran, but regained her rights to the throne as well. Also, she was cleared of all charges for assassinating Galfore.

However, it was not a time for celebration. Galfore's body was being taken to the spot for his final farewell, which was basically a Tamaranean funeral. Robin, Pluto, Blackfire and Starfire attended as they watched Galfore being laid down to rest.

"Here on Tamaran, we do not bury out dead. Instead, we burn their bodies so that their souls can transcend and join with X'Hal. We believe that our souls hold our energies and that when we die, we join and become part of X'Hal," Starfire explained as she watched the ceremony.

Starfire and Blackfire both picked up their torches which burned with green fire before walking over towards Galfore's body which lay upon wood. Starfire and her sister said goodbye in their native tongue before setting Galfore's body ablaze. They stood back with their people, watching as Galfore became part of X'Hal. Galfore's body burned in the colors of the Tamaraneans' eyes, an emerald blaze of glory. Reigning for a short time but bringing peace to this world, that is what he deserved.

Starfire hugged her sister and cried against her chest as Blackfire did her best to comfort Starfire. Their parents were gone and so was Galfore. They also had no idea if their own brother was still alive. Thus, they were the last of the And'r line.

Off to the side, both Robin and Pluto yearned to be for their loves more than anything else. Still, they knew their time would come. The sisters would need their time to mourn before they could rest comfortably in another's embrace.

Days later, Starfire was crowned the new empress. She stood at the balcony, wearing the crown and decided to speak to the people. She didn't make it a long speech but summarized her feelings in one sentence, "I am not ready to rule."

The people murmured at her choice of words as Starfire continued, "I am not ready for such a huge responsibility despite your confidence in me. I do not believe I can rule as well as my parents and Galfore. But, I do know of another more deserving." Starfire looked behind her to see Blackfire, Robin and Pluto. "My sister." Blackfire gasped. This shocked the people too.

"Kori, you don't have to do this," said Blackfire, trying not to accept this act of kindness from Starfire. It was her pride that wouldn't let her. "I don't deserve it."

"But you do," Starfire said before removing her crown and beckoning Blackfire over. The black haired Tamaranean walked forward with her head high and shoulder back. She couldn't really refuse an order by the crowned princess, could she?

Blackfire bowed and Starfire placed the crown over her head. Blackfire mused, 'I almost missed how this felt.' She then stood up to face the people.

"I give you Empress Komand'r!" Starfire exclaimed and the people murmured. Blackfire frowned and began to speak.

Blackfire spoke, "Alright, I know many of you think of me as nothing more than an abomination. I know most of you also see me as non-deserving of this honor after all I've done or what you think I've done. However, I have learnt from my mistake and paid the consequences for them. Now, I know it will take time but this planet still needs a ruler. I am that ruler. I have learnt how to serve the people instead of serving myself and by the name of my parents, Galfore and X'Hal I shall do it! This is a start of a brand new age for our people!" She threw her fists into the air. This elicited cheers from the people. "Long live Empress Komand'r!"

"LONG LIVE EMPRESS KOMAND'R! LONG LIVE EMPRESS KOMAND'R!"

Starfire applauded before hugging her sister. Pluto and Robin applauded as well. Pluto then gloated, "Dude, my girlfriend is an empress! How wicked awesome is that?"

Robin just rolled his eyes in response. Some things never change.

I'm glad for two things. 1: I am glad that my sister has forgiven me and believes in me, and 2: I have the love of a good man, even though I have to train him to be the right kind of man for me sometimes.

I love Yoshiyuki Takada. Even if he can be a bit of a dork sometimes, he's the one I've claimed as my own. He has brains, brawns (though the former can be questionable at times due to his lack of common sense) and a good heart. Though he makes mistakes, he means well. I find it cute that he tries so hard to make others happy.

He's only human, but I know I'm making the right choice. He is the one for me.

-Komand'r.

To everything there's a season and a time to every purpose. The Earth spins at a thousand miles an hour as we desperately try to keep from being thrown off. Like the first blush of winter that signals a great migration, was there any warning of their arrival? A sign, a single event that set this chain into motion? Was it a whisper in God's ear? Survive, adapt, escape… And if we could mark that single moment in time? That first hint of the prophecy of approaching danger… Would we have done anything differently? Could it have been stopped or was the die long ago cast? And if we could go back, alter its course, stop it from happening, would we?

To Be Continued…